Patagonia Sues Drag Performer Over Trademark Use of Pattie Gonia Name

U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The complaint alleges that Wiley’s 2024 trademark application for commercial uses of the name caused “irreparable” damage to the company’s marks. Wiley stated that Patagonia told media the suit sought only one dollar but actually aims to remove the name permanently and expose him to more than $1 million in legal costs.

He said the filing followed his 2024 application to register “Pattie Gonia” for apparel, motivational speaking, and event promotion.

Court documents show Wiley and Patagonia reached an agreement in 2022 under which he would avoid using the company’s logos or substantially similar designs. Emails from that year record Patagonia asking him to stop selling T-shirts and stickers bearing the Pattie Gonia name.

Wiley filed the trademark application two years later, listing plans to sell apparel and promote appearances. Patagonia’s complaint states the application departed from the 2022 commitments and reflected an intent to commercialize the name.

Wiley posted on Instagram that he remained silent for four months after the suit was filed while attempting to resolve the matter outside court. He wrote that Patagonia claims to be “in business to save the home planet” and invited supporters to urge the company to drop the case.

The complaint also lists Wiley’s activities in environmental speaking and trail events as part of the alleged infringement. No trial date has been set.